The Isle of Palms has a giving spirit. City officials recently announced a couple of new freebies that will hopefully make folks’ visit to the beach even better, plus give you a little reminder of the Isle to take home with you.
Free Use of Beach Wheelchairs!
Of course, the beach at the Isle of Palms is public and free to everyone to visit and enjoy. There are plenty of free parking spaces along Palm Boulevard and other spots on the island to make getting to the beach convenient. Plus, there’s a regular network of beach access paths where the avenues meet the beach, to ensure easy access right to the sand and surf.
However, not everyone has equal access to the beach, due to mobility issues. Those who use wheelchairs have a nearly impossible task, trying to navigate the thin wheels in the thick, soft sand. Even for the strongest arms or caregivers, it quickly becomes bogged down, like trying to drive through quicksand.
New equipment to the rescue!
Thankfully, wheelchairs now exist that are specially designed to travel over top of - rather than sink into - beach sand. These wheelchairs have extremely wide tires and are made of lightweight materials, so navigation is a breeze. The only downside is they tend to be rather expensive, especially if you only need to use them for a short visit.
Well, the City of Isle of Palms stepped in to help with improved access for handicapped visitors. They now offer daily beach wheelchairs at no charge to the public.
There are some simple steps you need to follow to secure one:
- Beach wheelchairs are located at the Public Safety Building, at 30 J.C. Long Boulevard (just down the street from Exclusive Properties’ office).
- They don’t take reservations, and the beach wheelchairs are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
- They are available from 8:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m. and must be returned that same day by 8:00 p.m.
- Just fill out a rental form and give it to the officer on the second floor on the police side of the building. You’ll need to provide a copy of your driver’s license and a credit card just in case it’s damaged or not returned.
- Then, you can pick it up at the First Department Apparatus Bay in the same building. (Please note that the Fire Department will not deliver or pick up beach wheelchairs.) Be sure to return to the same spot by 8:00 p.m. to avoid any charges.
NOTE: One of the best beach access points for handicapped visitors is at 42nd Avenue. There is a very wide, firm, all-weather mat that reaches all the way down the path and out to the beach. This is also the common access point for emergency vehicles.
Also, many of our vacation homes have elevators, to help with handicapped guests. Browse here give us a call for more information.
A Free Isle of Palms T-Shirt!
Step right up and get your free IOP swag. The Isle of Palms is offering a free IOP T-shirt to those who come for a visit. It’s super easy to get one. Just fill out this form, and bring it to City Hall along with an ID like a driver’s license.
IOP’s City Hall is located at 1207 Palm Boulevard, across the street from EP’s office. Just stop by any time Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. There’s a limit to one free T-shirt per family.
Free (or almost free) Fun Throughout The Year
The City of Isle of Palms sponsors many events throughout the year to enhance the experiences of both locals and visitors alike. Some are holiday-themed, all are family-friendly, and most times you can bring your dogs, too.
Some favorite annual island events include: Doggie Day at the Rec in February, Front Beach Fest which just took place, the gigantic IOP Yard Sale, Easter Brunch, Music in the Park, the beach Sand Sculpting Competition during Piccolo Spoleto Festival, the IOP Farmers Market, the IOP Beach Run, Half Rubber Tournament, Community Wellness Fair, IOP Connector Run, Ghostly Tide Tales on the beach, Halloween Costume Golf Cart Parade, Community Environmental Program, and the Holiday Street Festival and Tree Lighting.
The Rec Center is a gem in the middle of the island, which everyone is welcome to use. It has plenty of ball fields - baseball, softball and soccer - as well as a basketball court, tennis courts, and a massive playground for the kids with plenty to climb on. Indoors, there’s a large gymnasium along with indoor weight and exercise rooms.
The IOP Rec Center staff teach a myriad of classes and camps. Some are free, while for others small fees apply. For kids, they offer Theater Workshop, Gymnastics, Cheernastics, Little Lotus Yoga, Tennis, Mini Minnows, IOP Kids, and Tae Kwon Do. Camps and clinics include Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, Acting, Wee Camp and Camp Sunshine.
For adults, there’s Barre, Core Strength & Body Works, Community Meditation, Beach Body Boot Camp, Tabata Tuesday, Tae Kwon Do, Tennis, Pickle Ball, Line Dancing, Writing Your Memoirs, Yoga, Over 50 Fitness, Over 50 Yoga, Suspension Training, Environmental Education Series, Keenagers Social Group, Mah Jongg, Gather & Knit, The Game Room, and Dog Obedience.
Outdoors next to the Rec Center is the fenced-in outdoor Bark Park, the perfect place for pooches to play and socialize with other four-legged friends. There are separate sections for small and large dogs. No fee or city license is required, although dogs must be fully vaccinated and have a rabies tag.
So check out some of the many free, or almost free, fun things offered by the City of Isle of Palms.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger